Indian National Shipowners’ Association (INSA)

Sudhir Rangnekar, The INSA Chairman

SS Kulkarni, The INSA Secretary General

The INSA website is at http://www.insa.org.in

Message by INSA (India) President

It is indeed very heartening to note that the 18^th AGM of the Asian Shipowners’ Forum (ASF) is scheduled to be held in Taiwan from 25^th to 27^th May 2009.  This will be the first annual meeting of ASF for our Association viz. the Indian National Shipowners’ Association, which has recently joined the ASF fold.

Since 1992, ASF has been playing a major role not only in promoting the overall development of shipping but also ensuring the competitive edge of Asian shipping in the global arena.  It is also encouraging to note that ASF is now regarded as a matured organization to effectively represent the members’ interests internationally, on all matters affecting the shipping industry.

The year ahead will be a challenging one for the shipping industry in view of the impact of the melt down in the global economy.  The 18^th ASF meeting will provide an opportunity to exchange views and suggest solutions to effectively cope up with such situations.  The Indian National Shipowners’ Association is very happy to be associated with the ASF and supports all its endeavours to strengthen the shipping industry in general and Asian shipping in particular.

On behalf of INSA, I convey our best wishes to all the delegates for a fruitful meeting at the 18^th ASF AGM.

Mumbai S. Hajara
5^th March 2009 President